But John Jones, 29, says he believes they want to deter the homeless from begging or sleeping there as they are ‘bad for their image.’

And he fears they may now become commonplace across the city.

The spikes outside Selfridges in Manchester city centre

He said: “They’re just disgusting. But I don’t think they care at all. They think that having homeless people near their store is bad for their image. But it’s a snidey way to do it.

“It’s so hard at this time of year when it’s freezing cold and raining. You just want somewhere with a bit of shelter over you like a doorway or railway arch. But you always feel like you’re not wanted.”

John, who formerly lived in Hulme, began sleeping rough five years ago after splitting with his wife.

John Jones says the spikes outside Selfridges are 'disgusting'

He said: “This is the first time I’ve seen the spikes but I am always getting moved on. Lots of places call the police and get them to move you. Or occasionally they’ll come out and ask you themselves. One guy told me I was ‘attracting the wrong kind of people'.

“I think things like these spikes just show ignorance and a disdain for the lower classes. And the people that want them put there are millionaires.

“They’ve no idea what it’s like to sleep on the streets. They should come and spend a night with me then maybe they’d understand. I’d welcome them if they wanted to.”